In 1940, this triangle was named to honor August Michel (1900-1918), a native of the Bronx famous for being one of the smallest men ever in the United States Army. Originally rejected by the army because he was too short for regulations, Michel did “stretching” exercises and eventually met the height requirement. Tragically, Michel died at the age of 18 at Camp Bowie, Texas, while serving his country during the World War I.
Michel entered the Army on April 22, 1918. He died during the great Influenza Plague that hit the United States in 1918 – the worst epidemic in our country’s history, it killed more Americans than did all the wars of the 20th century. Michel, in a display of compassion and selflessness, thought he was less ill than some of the other soldiers, and gave up his bed in the hospital. He suffered a relapse and died on October 22, 1918.